Traumatised Teen
A harrowing story of one of the Bekind Boys
Twenty years have passed since we first went to Calcutta. For my childhood friend, Niall Dalton, and I, 2005 was a real wake up call to the reality of life in a developing country. As many of you reading this and previous newsletters shared with you over the years know, I have tried to convey the stories and events which have kept us committed to supporting many vulnerable children who we, in Bekind, have had the privilege to help along the way.
The following report was compiled by our manager in BekindBoys’ Home. The child’s name has been changed to protect his privacy. This said, the tragic events were widely covered by the Indian press in February of this year.
“Rohit belonged to a once well-established and respected family. However, he lost everything. His family, his home, and his sense of security.
Due to massive bank debt, Rohit’s Father and Uncle conspired to murder their own wives, Rohit and his first cousin. They succeeded in poisoning the women during a family meal, but Rohit survived.
After that, they planned to kill him in a staged car accident.
The car was driven by his uncle with Rohit in the front passenger seat and his father was in the back.
When the tragic car accident finally occurred, Rohit was badly injured and was admitted to the hospital by the police.
After three months of treatment and multiple major orthopaedic surgeries, Rohit is now in a much better condition but needs further rehabilitation.
After his discharge from hospital, none of his extended family were willing to take responsibility for the boy. Abandoned and unwanted, he was eventually placed in Bekind Boys’ Home.
His father and uncle were arrested, charged with his attempted murder, and with the deaths of their wives and his first cousin.
About the Child:
Age 14
Rohit is deeply traumatized. His mental health is fragile, and the emotional scars run deeper than his physical ones He is a soft spoken and well-mannered.
Health Status: He is physically well but he needs counselling and support.”
Since we opened Bekind Boys’ Home in January 2012, some seventy-five children have found sanctuary within its walls. For Rohit, this sense of sanctuary is of vital importance to his wellbeing. He has been welcomed with open arms by the other boys and by the caring staff. Many of our boys have been through difficult experiences but none quite as traumatic as Rohits.
I spoke with Rohit last month on a videocall. He is indeed a soft-spoken boy, well-educated, with flawless English. A warm smile belied his inner turmoil. I welcomed him and reassured him he would be safe in Bekind Boys’ Home and that I was looking forward to meeting him next November and several other new boys who have recently arrived.
As bad luck would have it, three weeks ago, Rohit had an unfortunate fall and undid the surgical work carried out when a plate was fitted in his leg after the car crash. He spent time recovering in hospital and has now returned to Bekind Boys’ Home.
While the above story is tragic and deserves attention, let us not forget the happy moments that the Bekind Boys experience, like this boy who has been celebrating his birthday with Bekind
since 2012.
As always, donations are always greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting Bekind.
Brian
Brian Flanagan
Founder Director
Bekind Ireland
